Forest Department Takes Action Against Illegal Wheat Cultivation

In a recent development in Muzaffargarh, an officer and guard have been terminated from their service, while a Range Officer of the Forest Department has been suspended due to illegal wheat cultivation on forest land. The illegal cultivation took place at Deewan Shahpur, Moza Kothi Lal, and adjacent areas in Doulat Pur, located in the riverine region. The Secretary of the Forest Department South Punjab, Mudasser Wahid Malik, took swift action upon learning about this issue through media reports. An enquiry committee was promptly formed, which confirmed the illegal activity in its report.

Consequently, Forest Officer Jam Haider and Guard Yasir Gabool received termination orders, and the Range Officer was suspended pending further investigation. The Secretary has directed the local Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to conduct thorough inquiries to uncover the full extent of the wrongdoing. Additionally, three Patwaris and a Qanuongo have been suspended by the Deputy Commissioner for their involvement in facilitating the illegal cultivation of wheat.

Two separate enquiry committees, overseen by the AC and DC of Alipur, have been established to identify all individuals responsible for this unlawful activity. The authorities are committed to ensuring accountability and upholding the law to protect forest lands from such encroachments in the future.